Woods & McIlroy's TMRW Sports to Launch New US Flag Football League by 2028

The NFL is investing $32 million to help TMRW Sports operate a new professional flag football league by the 2028 Olympics.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's sports and entertainment company, TMRW Sports, has been selected by the NFL to operate a new professional flag football league, with plans to launch it by 2028. This move aligns with the growing popularity of alternative athletic formats and the NFL's strategy to diversify its sports offerings and expand its global reach.

Why it matters

The partnership between TMRW Sports and the NFL represents a significant shift in how sports leagues are being developed and marketed. It demonstrates the increasing diversification of sports offerings, the integration of technology to enhance the fan experience, the focus on accessibility and inclusivity, and the global expansion ambitions of major sports leagues.

The details

TMRW Sports, founded in 2022 by Woods, McIlroy, and media executive Mike McCarley, has already made waves with the tech-focused golf league, TGL, and the announcement of the WTGL, a women's version of the league. The company's expansion into flag football is a strategic move to leverage its expertise in creating innovative sports entertainment experiences. The NFL's $32 million investment in the new league underscores the growth and appeal of flag football, a non-contact version of American football where tackles are made by 'pulling flags' attached to opponents' waists.

  • The new flag football league is planned to launch by 2028.
  • Flag football will make its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The players

TMRW Sports

A sports and entertainment venture founded by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Mike McCarley, with the goal of creating innovative sports entertainment experiences.

Tiger Woods

A professional golfer and co-founder of TMRW Sports.

Rory McIlroy

A professional golfer and co-founder of TMRW Sports.

Mike McCarley

A media executive and co-founder of TMRW Sports.

NFL

The National Football League, which has invested $32 million to help TMRW Sports operate the new professional flag football league.

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What they’re saying

“We are encouraged by the strong interest in the market and committed to investing in infrastructure and partnerships to grow flag football globally and establish a leading professional league.”

— Brian McCarthy, NFL spokesperson (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The new flag football league is planned to launch by 2028, in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will make its debut as an Olympic sport.

The takeaway

The partnership between TMRW Sports and the NFL represents a significant shift in the sports industry, with leagues increasingly looking to diversify their offerings, integrate technology, and expand their global reach. The rise of flag football as a safer and more accessible alternative to traditional football highlights the industry's focus on inclusivity and the evolving preferences of sports fans.